Program Director - Speed Rail

Join to apply for the Program Director - High Speed Rail role at Jacobs

This range is provided by Jacobs. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

$/yr - $/yr

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. Your impact is that you will lead and manage a mega‑scale infrastructure program of significant strategic value. This role demands exceptional leadership, technical proficiency in rail systems, and the ability to navigate complexity while driving innovation in program management practices.

• Providing strategic direction and technical leadership for program delivery, with a strong focus on rail and transit infrastructure.
• Overseeing program scope, schedule, and budget adherence for all key tasks and assignments related to rail systems and HSR.
• Advocating for ethical and safe working practices across all program activities.
• Driving innovation in program management methodologies tailored to large-scale rail and transit projects.
• Identifying high‑risk areas in rail program execution and proactively implementing measures to ensure successful outcomes.
• Contributing to talent development strategies, including workforce planning and resourcing for critical rail program components.
• Assessing long-term trends and disruptive forces in rail and transportation infrastructure, addressing emerging challenges and opportunities.
• Leading initiatives for skill development and capability building to support rail program execution.
• Attracting, retaining, and developing top‑tier talent within the rail‑focused program management team.

• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, architecture, or project management preferred; equivalent diplomas with substantial rail experience considered.
• 20+ years of professional experience in rail and transit, including at least 15 years in senior leadership roles overseeing major or mega‑capital rail infrastructure programs, particularly high‑speed rail.
• Proven track record of delivering complex, high‑value rail projects and achieving strategic objectives.
• Expertise in navigating complexity and driving innovation in program management for mega‑capital rail projects.
• Recognized industry leader with a strong professional network and influence in rail and transit infrastructure project management.
• Ability to foster a collaborative, high‑performance culture that empowers teams to excel.
• Deep familiarity with HSR and/or passenger rail alignments, tracks, facilities, and system design.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Jacobs welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. To request an accommodation, please select here.

We use AI‑driven recruitment to match top talent with opportunity—however, human connection and fairness remain at the heart of every hiring decision.